Gran Turismo 7 just received its second major update on December 4, 2024, and it’s causing community controversy for all the wrong reasons. The free Spec III update (version 1.65) delivers 8 stunning new cars, two legendary Formula 1 circuits, and quality of life improvements that players have been requesting for months. But Polyphony Digital simultaneously launched the $30 Power Pack DLC – the franchise’s first paid expansion – that locks highly anticipated features like 24-hour endurance races and the upgraded Sophy 3.0 AI behind a paywall. The split between free and paid content has the Gran Turismo community debating whether this represents fair value or exploitative monetization of a $70 game that’s been out since 2022.
What Everyone Gets For Free
The Spec III update brings substantial free content that would make most racing game fans ecstatic. Starting with the vehicles, Polyphony Digital selected an eclectic mix spanning decades and performance categories. The 2023 Ferrari 296 GT3 and 2022 Ferrari 296 GTB represent cutting-edge Italian engineering, with the road car and its racing counterpart arriving together. The 2026 Polestar 5 Performance brings electric vehicle technology to the game, showcasing the future of automotive performance.
Classic enthusiasts get treated to the 1985 Fiat Panda 30 CL – an adorably slow economy car that’s hilariously fun to drive. The 1997 Mitsubishi FTO GP Version R and Mine’s BNR34 GT-R N1 Base satisfy Japanese car culture fans. The bizarre 1995 Renault Espace F1 – a minivan with an F1 engine producing 820 horsepower – returns as one of racing’s most absurd creations. Finally, the Gran Turismo F3500-B brings single-seater open-wheel racing to the virtual garage.
The two new tracks are absolutely massive additions. Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal and Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi both host Formula 1 grands prix and rank among motorsport’s most iconic venues. These represent the first new tracks added to GT7 in over a year since the Alpine Eiger Nordwand route, making them particularly welcome for players exhausted by the existing circuit rotation.
Additional free features include:
- Data Logger allowing detailed telemetry analysis for improving lap times
- Dunlop tires adding another tire manufacturer option
- Collector Level cap increased for high-level players
- Unlimited car invitations in Brand Central eliminating time-limited exclusivity
- Enhanced Weekly Challenges with better rewards and variety
- New opening movie updating the game’s presentation
- Seven new race events utilizing the new tracks
- Four new Scapes photography locations
- Nürburgring Endurance II layout for Time Trial mode
The Data Logger deserves special mention as a feature hardcore sim racers have been requesting since launch. This tool captures detailed telemetry including speed, throttle, brake, gear selection, and racing line data that players can review to identify where they’re losing time. For players serious about improving their skills, this represents a game-changing addition that competitive racing games like iRacing and Assetto Corsa Competizione have offered for years.
The $30 Power Pack Controversy
While the free content impressed, Polyphony Digital’s decision to charge $29.99 (£24.99 / €29.99) for the Power Pack DLC immediately sparked backlash. This marks Gran Turismo’s first paid expansion content, breaking from the series’ tradition of free post-launch updates. The price point – representing 43% of the base game’s $70 retail cost – feels steep for content that many argue should have been included from the start or added for free like previous updates.
What does the Power Pack actually include? The expansion offers 50 new career events across 20 themed categories inspired by global automotive and motorsport traditions. These events feature full racing weekend formats including practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and main races that simulate real motorsport experiences. The return of 24-hour endurance races like Le Mans represents the expansion’s flagship attraction, catering to players who crave ultimate tests of skill and stamina.
The Power Pack breakdown:
- 50 custom career racing events across 20 themed categories
- 24-hour endurance races including iconic marathons
- Full race weekend formats with practice, qualifying, and main events
- Gran Turismo Sophy 3.0 AI used exclusively throughout all races
- 5 million in-game credits instantly upon purchase
- PS5 exclusive – not available on PS4 version
The most controversial aspect is locking Sophy 3.0 AI behind the paywall. Gran Turismo Sophy launched as a revolutionary AI system in 2023 using machine learning to create realistic racing opponents that actually compete rather than follow predetermined lines. Polyphony Digital continued improving Sophy through free updates, reaching version 2.1 earlier in 2024. Now version 3.0 – promising the most authentic AI behavior yet with relentless tail-to-nose battles – exclusively exists within Power Pack events.
This decision particularly stings because previous Sophy iterations arrived as free updates. Players who purchased GT7 at launch expected continued AI improvements without additional charges. The perception is that Polyphony Digital developed a superior AI system and deliberately withheld it from the broader player base to monetize through DLC sales.
How the Community Responded
Reddit and forums erupted with mixed reactions. Some players defend the $30 price as reasonable given the content volume – 50 events represents substantial developer effort, and many other racing sims charge similar or higher amounts for car and track packs. PC sim racing titles routinely charge $10 or more for single cars or circuits, making GT7’s pricing model seem generous by comparison.
Critics counter that GT7’s base game already costs $70 and has been monetizing through microtransactions allowing players to purchase in-game credits with real money. Adding paid DLC on top of an already expensive game with microtransactions feels exploitative, especially when the content being charged for (career events and AI improvements) should be standard features rather than premium additions.
The PS5 exclusivity compounds frustration for PS4 owners who purchased GT7 and expected feature parity. The technical requirements for Sophy 3.0 may justify PS5 exclusivity from a performance standpoint, but that’s cold comfort for players who can’t afford console upgrades. They’re effectively locked out of significant single-player content despite owning the same $70 game.
Comparisons to GT Sport’s Lewis Hamilton DLC also emerged. That expansion cost approximately $10 and allowed players to earn over 100 million credits through its events. The Power Pack provides only 5 million credits upfront – essentially a small bonus rather than the pack’s main value proposition. This shift suggests Polyphony Digital is moving away from credit-based DLC value toward charging primarily for access to events themselves.
Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and Yas Marina Details
The two new circuits represent significant additions for Formula 1 fans and racing purists. Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve opened in 1978 on Montreal’s Île Notre-Dame, named after the legendary Canadian F1 driver who died in 1982. The 4,361-meter track features 14 corners and a brutal 1,173-meter main straight where cars exceed 320 km/h before braking for the famous hairpin.
What makes Gilles-Villeneuve notorious is the “Wall of Champions” at the final chicane. This unforgiving section earned its name during the 1999 Canadian Grand Prix when three world champions – Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill, and Jacques Villeneuve – crashed at the same spot during the same race. The circuit’s combination of long straights and tight chicanes creates a unique rhythm that punishes mistakes brutally while rewarding brave late braking.
Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi represents modern Formula 1 circuit design philosophy. Opening in 2009, the 5,554-meter track winds across Yas Island featuring a dramatic marina setting, luxury hotels, and world-class theme parks. The circuit is famous for twilight races that begin in daylight and finish under floodlights, creating stunning visual spectacles.
Yas Marina’s layout intentionally blends long straights promoting high speeds with intricate low-speed technical sections demanding precision. The tunnel section passing under the Yas Hotel and the tight hairpin after the main straight provide overtaking opportunities, though the circuit has historically produced processional races that F1 officials attempted to address through layout modifications in 2021.
Both circuits include Circuit Experience challenges where players drive each sector with professional instruction, learning optimal racing lines and braking points. These educational tools help players master the tracks quickly rather than spending hours learning through trial and error.
The Eight New Cars Breakdown
Each of the eight new vehicles brings something distinct to GT7’s already massive car roster. The Ferrari 296 GT3 represents cutting-edge GT racing technology, competing in international championships like the World Endurance Championship and GT World Challenge. Its road-going counterpart, the 296 GTB, features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid producing 818 horsepower – Ferrari’s first V6 road car since the Dino models of the 1970s.
The Polestar 5 Performance previews the future of electric performance sedans. This 2026 model from Volvo’s performance brand showcases how electric vehicles are evolving beyond Tesla’s dominance, bringing genuine driving dynamics rather than just straight-line acceleration. Its inclusion demonstrates Gran Turismo’s commitment to representing automotive evolution rather than just gasoline heritage.
Japanese car culture enthusiasts get two treats. The Mitsubishi FTO GP Version R represents 1990s Japanese engineering when domestic manufacturers produced compelling sports coupes for their home market. The Mine’s BNR34 GT-R N1 Base showcases the legendary R34 Skyline GT-R platform that became a tuning icon. Mine’s is a renowned tuning shop that transformed already-capable GT-Rs into track weapons.
The Fiat Panda 30 CL is pure comedy gold. This 1985 economy car produces a laughable 30 horsepower from a 652cc two-cylinder engine. Top speed? Maybe 90 km/h downhill with a tailwind. But racing these hilariously slow boxes against friends creates some of the most entertaining close racing possible. When your car can’t break 100 km/h, every corner becomes critical and positions change constantly.
The Renault Espace F1 deserves its own museum. In 1995, Renault engineers asked the insane question: “What if we put an 820-horsepower Formula 1 engine in a minivan?” The result was this one-off promotional vehicle that reached 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and topped out at 194 mph. It remains one of automotive history’s most absurd creations and an absolute blast to drive in simulation.
Finally, the Gran Turismo F3500-B brings open-wheel racing to players who want single-seater experiences without the complexity of modern F1 cars. This fictional vehicle draws inspiration from late-1980s Formula cars, offering pure driving thrills without traction control, ABS, or other modern assists that some purists consider cheating.
Is the Power Pack Worth $30
The value proposition depends entirely on what you want from Gran Turismo 7. If you’ve exhausted the base game’s career content and crave fresh challenges with improved AI opponents, the 50 events justify the purchase. The return of 24-hour endurance races alone represents dozens of hours of content for players who enjoy marathon driving sessions testing concentration and consistency.
The 5 million credits bonus helps justify the price for players who’ve been grinding the same high-paying events repeatedly to afford expensive cars. While you could theoretically earn 5 million through gameplay, doing so requires significant time investment. If you value your time, the instant credits represent tangible value beyond just event access.
However, if you primarily play GT7 for Sport Mode online racing or already feel satisfied with the career content, the Power Pack offers minimal value. Sophy 3.0 only exists within Power Pack events – you can’t race against it in custom races or online modes. The DLC feels explicitly designed for single-player enthusiasts rather than the broader GT7 audience.
Comparing to other racing game DLC, the pricing sits in the middle. Project CARS charged similar amounts for car and track packs. iRacing’s subscription model costs far more annually. But games like Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon have provided substantial free updates without charging for career events or AI improvements, making the Power Pack feel more expensive by comparison.
FAQs
When did Gran Turismo 7 Spec III update release?
Gran Turismo 7 Spec III update (version 1.65) launched on December 4, 2024 at 8:00 AM UTC. The free update includes 8 new cars, two new tracks (Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and Yas Marina Circuit), Data Logger, and various improvements. The paid Power Pack DLC released simultaneously.
How much does the Gran Turismo 7 Power Pack cost?
The Power Pack DLC costs $29.99 USD, £24.99 GBP, or €29.99 EUR. It’s exclusively available for PlayStation 5 and cannot be purchased for the PS4 version of Gran Turismo 7. The DLC includes 50 career events, 24-hour races, Sophy 3.0 AI, and 5 million credits.
What cars are in Gran Turismo 7 Spec III?
Spec III adds 8 cars: 2023 Ferrari 296 GT3, 2022 Ferrari 296 GTB, 2026 Polestar 5 Performance, Mine’s BNR34 GT-R N1 Base, 1997 Mitsubishi FTO GP Version R, 1985 Fiat Panda 30 CL, 1995 Renault Espace F1, and Gran Turismo F3500-B single-seater.
What is Gran Turismo Sophy 3.0?
Sophy 3.0 is the latest version of GT7’s machine learning-powered AI system that creates realistic racing opponents. Unlike traditional AI following predetermined lines, Sophy learns racecraft and competes like human drivers with aggressive overtaking and defensive positioning. Version 3.0 is exclusive to Power Pack DLC events.
Are the new tracks free in Gran Turismo 7?
Yes, Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve (Montreal) and Yas Marina Circuit (Abu Dhabi) are completely free as part of the Spec III update. Both iconic Formula 1 tracks are available to all players regardless of whether they purchase the Power Pack DLC.
Is Gran Turismo 7 Power Pack on PS4?
No, the Power Pack DLC is PS5 exclusive. PS4 owners receive the free Spec III update with new cars and tracks but cannot purchase or access the Power Pack’s 50 career events, 24-hour races, or Sophy 3.0 AI.
What is the Data Logger in Gran Turismo 7?
The Data Logger is a free telemetry tool added in Spec III that records detailed driving data including speed, throttle, brake input, gear selection, and racing line. Players can review this data to identify where they’re losing time and improve lap times through data-driven analysis.
Conclusion
Gran Turismo 7’s Spec III update represents both the best and most controversial update in the game’s post-launch support. The free content – 8 diverse cars, two legendary F1 circuits, Data Logger telemetry, and quality of life improvements – would satisfy players completely if it stood alone. Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and Yas Marina Circuit bring genuine excitement to the track roster, while vehicles like the Renault Espace F1 and Fiat Panda provide comedic relief alongside serious performance machines. But Polyphony Digital’s decision to launch the franchise’s first paid DLC simultaneously sours what should be a celebration. Charging $30 for content that includes AI improvements players expected for free creates the perception of features being deliberately withheld for monetization. The Power Pack offers substantial value for single-player enthusiasts who’ve exhausted base game content and crave 24-hour endurance challenges with improved AI. But for the broader Gran Turismo community, it represents an uncomfortable shift toward paid expansions in a series that built goodwill through generous free updates. Whether this becomes the new normal or remains an isolated experiment depends on how players vote with their wallets. For now, download the free Spec III update, enjoy the new tracks and cars, and carefully consider whether 50 career events and Sophy 3.0 AI justify an additional $30 investment in a game you already paid $70 to own.